It’s just what Klopp doesn’t need when trying to forge a new future for Liverpool FC – a resurgent Everton whose transfer business has made them as sexy this ­summer as Jennifer Lawrence in a basque.

Eighteen months into his reign there are few clues how it will turn out for Klopp.

On the plus side, he’s reached two ­finals and qualified for the Champions League. Exciting, ­winning football for half a season. All big ticks.

Less positively, there was no title challenge, the defence still looks suspect – as does whichever keeper he picks – and he lost both of those finals.

A surrender in the FA Cup and post-Christmas hangover left him scrambling to reach the top four.

Jurgen Klopp and Ronald Koeman (Image: Getty)

Toss into the mixture a slow boil in the transfer market and the fact that everyone bar Spurs appear to be using Monopoly money to barter with and all of a ­sudden Liverpool look as far away as ever from making a splash.

Whereas Koeman’s first season has left him with plenty of goodwill in the bank.

He took over when Everton were on a downward spiral following the smoke-and-mirrors reign of Roberto Martinez.

And he has proved himself to be a man who certainly knows his own mind.

Irrespective of whose decision it was to bring Wayne Rooney back into the fold, it should act as a catalyst.

The striker’s press conference hit all the right notes. He talked about winning a trophy. He put to bed the ­notion that he was heading home to retire.

At 31 years of age, his legs should have a few years in the tank. It looks like he has now rekindled his enthusiasm.

Wayne Rooney has returned to Everton (Image: REUTERS)

All of which ramps up the pressure over at Anfield.

Everton’s re-awakening has only heightened the need for Klopp to land his two main targets – Naby Keita from Red Bull Leipzig and Virgil Van Dijk from Southampton.

Klopp now needs to ­respond from the enemy within his own city.

It’s one thing to be ­battling to out-do old rivals Manchester City, Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal and Spurs.